PANAJI
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday observed its 'Stapana Diwas' (foundation day) with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tom-tomming the 'double-engine' government's development push in the State, claiming the record of the last ten years cannot be matched by that of 50 years prior.
Sawant, who was speaking at the event held in a city hotel, pledged that the State's development will continue with a focus on 'Antodaya' (last person in society) and building a viksit bharat.
BJP State President, Damodar (Damu) Naik, Union Minister Shripad Naik, senior leader Govind Parvatkar and ministers and BJP MLAs were in attendance.
Sawant said past leaders and karyakatas had contributed to the growth of the BJP in Goa. He also said that several leaders of the Jan Sangh from which the BJP was formed, had participated in the struggle for Goa's liberation and should not be forgotten.
Meanwhile Shripad Naik, who along with the late Manohar Parrikar, had played a crucial role in building the saffron party in Goa in the 1990s, took aim at the Congress saying it only did vote-bank politics at the Centre and in the State.
"It trampled on the Indian Constitution for political gain. That is why the people of Goa and the entire country have put their trust in BJP," Naik said, adding that party workers toiling honestly is what contributed to the growth of the party in Goa.
BJP State president, Damu Naik, also made mention of the work of old leaders and office bearers in BJP's journey in Goa.
"We can never forget their work," Damu Naik said and pledged that he will continue the efforts to strengthen the party further in the coming days as the state president.
